Born in Alicante, Spain, internationally acclaimed artist and photographer Cristina De Middel captures the subtle artistic nuances of humanity as a documentarian. The former photojournalist’s stirring amalgamations of fact and fiction are built on finding subconscious truths lurking just beneath our veneers. “Five Stories” is the new exhibition of her work from five different series she’s created during the last five years. It’s a fascinating foray into her real-world apparitions. Equal parts reporter and dream catcher, Middel finds the illusionary soul of her subjects with a veracity that knows no artistic, cultural or existence-based limitations. “Five Stories” opens Friday, Jan. 9, 5-8 p.m., at Candela Books and Gallery. Through Feb. 21.